January 10th is Houseplant Appreciation Day, and who doesn’t love a good houseplant? Using plants to beautify your space isn’t only great decor; they also provide health benefits. By bringing nature inside, you can actually enhance your day-to-day life.
Going through the motions of our weekdays can seem like a monotonous routine, and the addition of some green plants and flowers can brighten your day. While of course your indoor palm isn’t an easy cure-all, you’d be surprised by the difference it can make. Yes, caring for your plants will add another task to your to-do list, but it is one that many find therapeutic and rejuvenating. That’s not all—here are 5 health benefits of adding some greenery to your living space.
Reduce your stress levels
Surrounding yourself with indoor plants, or even just having a pot or two on your window sill, can enhance your mood. Of course, plants can’t talk to you and cheer you up, but a randomized study conducted in 2015 found that interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults.
Boost your productivity
Adding plants to your workspace could boost your productivity and get your creativity juices flowing. Multiple studies (for example, this study or this study) have found those with plants in their office were able to perform better than those who did not. Who would’ve thought plants make such good coworkers?
Improve your home’s air quality
While this isn’t applicable to all houseplants, if you carefully select the right plants, they could improve your home’s air quality, as described in this article. Several plant processes help to naturally purify your home:
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- plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis
- plants increase humidity by transpiring water vapor through microscopic leaf pores
- plants can passively absorb pollutants on the external surfaces of leaves and on the plant root-soil system
| Which houseplants reduce indoor air pollution the most? Areca Palm, Philodendron, Rubber Plant, Peace Lily, Dracaena, Snake Plant, Boston Fern, Aloe Vera, English Ivy, Spider Plant |
Change your outlook (for the better!)
Yes, a view of the beach or a mountain landscape out your window is a great mood enhancer, but most of us have less exciting scenery outside our homes and offices. Adding in a few natural elements can enhance a dull space, so next time you’re shopping for office supplies or groceries, maybe grab a plant or two!
Ease your worries
Caring for plants can be therapeutic; in fact, psychological professionals refer to this as horticulture therapy. Tending to gardens or indoor plants can be of great benefit to those who suffer from mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. A study in 2017 found that horticulture therapy enhances the well-being of individuals diagnosed with depression, anxiety, dementia, and other conditions.
After reading all of those benefits, you might be ready to go shopping for a new houseplant. However, if you have pets or children, make sure you go with the safest option, since many plants can be dangerous if ingested. Once you’ve found your ideal plant, ask at your local plant store or look up whether it’s toxic or not.
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